Diagnosis Coding: ICD-9 2011: Prepare for New Fluid Overload and Seizure Codes

Why This Topic Matters

Annual diagnosis code updates can affect how common and less common conditions are classified in claims and records. This article helps readers identify which sections of the ICD-9-CM update were changed for 2011 and where additional specificity was added.

Article Sections

1. Add Detail to Fluid Overload

   Discusses an expansion in the fluid overload category and related documentation considerations. Also references a related edema category update.

2. Welcome More Detailed Flu Codes

   Covers updates to influenza categories for identified avian influenza and novel H1N1 influenza. The section also notes added specificity for influenza-related diagnoses in the 2011 update.

3. Get Specific with Fecal-Related Codes

   Describes new fecal-related diagnosis codes added in the ICD-9-CM update. The section also mentions how these changes relate to broader digestive and elimination-related terminology.

4. Define Post-Traumatic Seizures

   Explains the addition of a code for post-traumatic seizures and places it within the broader convulsions category. It also references late-effect considerations tied to head injury documentation.

5. Know When to Use New Morbid Obesity Codes

   Reviews new BMI-related V codes added for higher body mass index ranges. The section also notes documentation expectations for obesity-related coding.

6. Look for New Absence of Pancreas Codes

   Covers new codes for acquired absence of the pancreas after pancreatectomy. It also references related postsurgical hypoinsulinemia and prior use of an organ-absence code.

7. Check Out These Additional New Codes

   Summarizes several additional ICD-9-CM additions across different body systems, including thrombocytopenia, aortic ectasia, and lumbar spinal stenosis. It also notes changes that did not make the final update.